Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to leave Real Madrid, who has made the brutal decision seven months after the England right-back joined from Liverpool
Nathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
14:26, 23 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back of Real Madrid and England sitting on the bench prior the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could be leaving Real Madrid(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly informed Trent Alexander-Arnold that he is surplus to requirements, just seven months after his £10million switch from Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, has struggled to establish himself in the La Liga giants' starting lineup, with injuries and behind-the-scenes turmoil, which ultimately led to Xabi Alonso's dismissal, hindering his progress.
Spanish outlet El Nacional claims that Arbeloa, who recently took the reins after managing the club's B team, has had a candid conversation with Alexander-Arnold, advising him to depart the club in the summer for his own benefit.
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 20: Coach of Real Madrid Alvaro Arbeloa during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 football match between Real Madrid C.F. and AS Monaco (ASM) at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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The decision is reportedly based on sporting grounds, with Arbeloa stating that Alexander-Arnold does not feature in Real Madrid's long-term plans.
As a result, Alexander-Arnold's representatives are already exploring potential destinations for the England international ahead of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid insiders cite his subpar defensive work rate and underwhelming attacking output as reasons for letting him go.
Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back of Real Madrid and England during the La Liga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de San Mames on December 3, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Trent has been deemed surplus to requirements(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold has made only 16 appearances for Real Madrid since joining in time for the Club World Cup last summer. The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries, including a hamstring issue in September and a muscle problem last month, reports the Mirror.
Fitness woes have seen Alexander-Arnold only take to the pitch once under England gaffer Thomas Tuchel, leaving his spot in the Three Lions' World Cup squad hanging in the balance. Alonso hinted that the right-back would be given a chance to prove his worth.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," the former Madrid boss declared. "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
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After swapping Liverpool for the 15-time European champs, Alexander-Arnold felt he'd quickly found his feet with the new crew.
"I can't say enough about the lads and how they made me feel welcome and at home," he expressed back in June. "They've all put in a lot of effort, spoken to me, made me feel comfortable and made sure any questions I had.
"Especially with the translations and things - they've helped me a lot with everything. I can't thank them enough and now we're excited for the game to start."